April 9, 2008 - "I've never seen a community come together like they did on Saturday," Dan Webber, president of the Knightstown Neighborhood Crime Watch, said of the group's kick-off celebration and fundraiser, held Saturday at the Hoosier Gym.

Several hundred area residents attended the six-hour even, which featured a hog roast and live gospel, blue grass and country music. Webber said between 450 and 500 meals were served and that the group raised more than $2,400.

"It seems like the community has really opened their hearts and minds to come see what this is all about," KNCW Vice President Kevin Knott said. "Community crime watch is about building a better, close-knit community as far as providing protection, reassurance and education."

Knightstown Police Chief Danny Baker said the KNCW will help him and his officers better serve the community's residents and businesses by being "an extra set of ears and eyes" for the department.

"With just one car per shift, we can't be everywhere at once," Baker said. "So, if we have citizens out here watching ... it's beneficial to us and the town."

Henry County Sheriff Butch Baker, who also attended the event, said the main purpose of groups like the KNCW is to "get neighbors knowing each other." He said familiarity with those who live nearby makes it easier to notice if something's amiss and needs law enforcement's attention.

Local business owner John Todd, one of more than a dozen vendors who had booths at the event, said he thought the KNCW would be good for the community.

"I think there are a lot of things going on these days that you're local police agencies can't really be out watching after," Todd said. "Just to have your neighbors watching for each other is a great thing. It's what the American public should be doing."

The KNCW's next meeting is Thursday, April 17, at 7 p.m. at Knightstown Town Hall, 26 S. Washington St. For more information, contact the KNCW's Webber at 345-7146.